Screening & Diagnosis

A CT scan, or Computed Tomography scan, is a tool used in diagnosing cancer. By providing detailed images of internal organs and structures of your body, CT scans help doctors detect abnormalities, plan treatments, and monitor the progress of therapies.

How It Works

CT scans uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body. Before the scan, you will be asked to remove any metal objects or belongings. During the procedure, you will lie on a table that slides into a large, doughnut-shaped machine. As the table slides and move through the scanner, the Xrays rotate around your body taking multiple X-ray images from different angles. These images are then combined by a computer to create a comprehensive view of your internal structures. Typically, the scan lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined.

Advantages

High Accuracy and assist in monitoring disease progression

CT scans are highly effective in detecting tumours, abnormalities, and other issues within vessels, bones, organs, and tissues. A special dye known as contrast material will be given either through mouth, injection, or enema. This dye enhances the visibility of specific areas of the body being examined by appearing bright on the images.

Detailed Imaging

They provide detailed images that may guide in surgery, biopsies and the precise planning of treatments and assessment of treatment progress. CT scans can produce up to 2,000 images per scan.

Versatility

CT scans are versatile and can examine almost any part of the body, making them invaluable in cancer care.

Risks and Limitations

Radiation Exposure

CT scans involve brief exposure to radiation, and they have a higher amount of radiation compared to X-rays due to their detailed information-gathering ability. While a single CT scan has not been shown to cause long-term risks, repeated scans could pose a potential risk. However, the diagnostic benefits generally outweigh these risks.

Allergic Reactions

Although it is uncommon, some patients may have allergic reactions to the contrast materials used during the scan. Potential mild reactions include rashes or itchiness. In rare cases, the allergic reaction can be serious or even life-threatening. If you notice any signs of a reaction, please call your nearest accident and emergency, or contact the patient navigator.

Pregnancy

Inform your healthcare professional if you are pregnant

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non invasive imaging technique using a magnetic field and computer generated radio- waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. The detailed images produced by MRI will help and assist doctors in detection of abnormalities, plan treatments, and monitor disease progression. MRI is particularly effective in imaging soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, joints, and organs. It is often used for neurological, musculoskeletal, and abdominal imaging.

How it works

Unlike CT Scans (hyperlink), MRI does not involve ionising radiation but instead uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the body's internal structures. During the procedure, you will lie on a table that slides into a large cylindrical machine that will create a strong magnetic field around you and send pulses of waves from a scanner. The magnetic field temporarily realigns hydrogen atoms in your body, and radio waves cause these atoms to produce signals, which are used to create images. Typically, an MRI scan lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being examined.

Advantages

High Precision

MRIs provide highly detailed images of soft tissues, making them particularly useful for detecting tumors, brain disorders, and joint abnormalities.

No Radiation

MRIs do not use ionizing radiation, reducing potential risks associated with repeated imaging.

Contrast Material

MRI scans offers better soft tissue contrast, allowing for clearer differentiation between fat, water, muscle, and other soft tissues.

Versatility

MRI can examine almost any part of the body, including the brain, spine, joints, and organs, making it invaluable in comprehensive cancer care.

Risks and Limitations

Magnetic Field Hazards

The powerful magnetic field of MRI machines can attract metal objects and disrupt medical devices such as pacemakers. People with certain implants may not be suitable for MRI scans unless stated otherwise. It's important to inquire whether tattoos or permanent makeup might pose any issues during the procedure.

Contrast Reactions

Although it’s rare, some patients may have allergic reactions to the contrast material administered during an MRI scan.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Inform your healthcare provider in advance if you are pregnant, as alternatives or postponement of the MRI may be necessary. It's also crucial to disclose if you are breastfeeding, particularly if contrast material will be used during the scan.

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X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation. In medical imaging, X-rays are directed through the body, and the resulting shadows create a two-dimensional image on a film or digital detector. X-rays are commonly used to assess bone fractures, lung conditions, and to detect abnormalities in the chest, abdomen, and other areas.

How it works

When X-rays pass through your body, different tissues absorb them at different rates. Bones, for example, absorb more X-rays and appear white on the images, while softer tissues absorb fewer X-rays and appear in shades of grey. During the procedure, you will be positioned between an X-ray machine and a special film or digital detector that captures the images. Depending on the body parts to be scanned, you will usually lie on the x-ray couch. If the area to be x-rayed is the chest, you will be told to stand or sit. The process typically takes just a few minutes.

Risks and Limitations

Radiation Exposure

X-rays involve exposure to a small amount of ionizing radiation. While the risk from a single X-ray is low, repeated exposure can increase the risk of developing cancer over time.

Image Limitations

X-rays provide less detail of soft tissues compared to other imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans.

Pregnancy Concerns

Pregnant women are advised to avoid X-rays unless absolutely necessary, as radiation can pose risks to the developing foetus.

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3D Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast that is often used as a tool in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. While 2D mammograms take a single flat image, a 3D mammogram creates a three-dimensional image of the breast using X-rays by capturing multiple images of the breast from different angles. These images are then reconstructed into a 3D view, allowing radiologists to examine breast tissue layer by layer.

How It Works

During the procedure, you will stand in front of an X-ray machine, and each breast will be compressed between two firm plates to spread out the breast tissue. The machine takes multiple images from different angles, which are then compiled into a 3D image by a computer. This process usually takes about 20-30 minutes and provides a more comprehensive view compared to traditional 2D mammograms. After the exam, a radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your healthcare provider. If any abnormalities are detected, you may be asked to return for additional imaging or a biopsy. Remember, being called back does not necessarily mean you have cancer; it often means more information is needed.

Benefits

Improved Accuracy

3D mammograms have a higher accuracy rate in detecting breast cancer compared to 2D mammograms. This is because the detailed images allow radiologists to distinguish between benign and malignant areas more effectively.

Reduced Need for Follow-Up Imaging

With clearer images, 3D mammograms reduce the likelihood of false positives, meaning fewer women need to return for additional imaging.

Better Detection in Dense Breast Tissue

Women with dense breast tissue benefit significantly from 3D mammograms, as the technology provides a clearer view of overlapping tissue structures.

Who Should Get a 3D Mammogram?

3D mammograms are recommended for all women who need routine breast cancer screening, typically starting at age 40. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history or genetic predisposition, should discuss earlier and more frequent screenings with their healthcare provider.

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a common and safe imaging technique used by doctors to see inside your body. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create pictures inside your body and the structures visualised will guide to making a diagnosis and facilitate treatment . A small device called a transducer sends out sound waves and picks up the echoes as they bounce back from your internal organs.

How It Works

Depending on the area that needs to be examined, you will usually be asked to remove clothing from that part of your body and lie down on an examination table. The sonographer will then apply a thin gel layer to your skin over the area to be examined so that the ultrasound waves are transmitted from the transducer through the gel and into your body. The probe converts electrical current into high frequency sound waves and sends te waves into the body's tissues and the sound waves bounce off structures inside your body back to the probe which converts the waves into electrical signals which will be captured onto a computer screen as real-time videos or images. The procedure is painless, though you might feel slight pressure from the transducer. Once the imaging is complete, the gel will be wiped off, and you can get dressed and resume normal activities.

Risks and Limitations

Image Quality

Sometimes, images may not be clear if there is too much gas or air in the body, or if the person is very overweight.

Dependent on Operator

The quality of the ultrasound images can depend on the skill of the person doing the scan.

Limited Penetration

Ultrasound might not work well for viewing bones or areas filled with air, like the lungs.

Who Should Get an Ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are useful for many reasons, including:

Pregnancy

Confirmation of pregnancy, Monitoring the health and development of the baby for any congenital abnormalities.

Abdomen

Diagnostic ultrasound such as abdominal ultrasounds to look for causes of abdominal pain, kidney ultrasound (to look for stones,tumors, cyts), breast ultrasound, pelvic ultrasounds, transvaginal ultrasound and thyroid.